"All I can say is do not listen to negative input, negative statements. Don't listen to it. You know what you can do. Go for it, and if you need a listening ear, here I am. And Michelle's here too!"
Episode Overview
In this episode, we dive into the second part of a conversation between Sean L. Young, (founder of the Speak Up Method) and Michelle, founder of WeCultivate. Together, they discuss the often overlooked negative aspects of language learning, balancing out the overmarketed perception that learning new languages is always a positive and rewarding experience. They also highlight the challenges and struggles they’ve observed and experienced as language learners themselves, sharing personal experiences and professional insights on how to maintain a supportive learning environment while preparing for real-world interactions.
In the episode, Sean emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive environment for learners, despite the difficulties they may encounter. We discuss the current state and future of the language learning industry. Sean criticizes the reliance on traditional methods and the slow progression towards more effective learning techniques. Sean and Michelle also discuss the limitations of language learning apps and AI tools, stressing the importance of human interaction and understanding the nuances of communication. The episode concludes with a discussion about Sean’s new book, which offers learners and instructors practical advice and methods for learning and teaching languages effectively.
Whether you're a language enthusiast or a professional in the field, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the journey of mastering new languages!
Actionable Advice to Implement
Instructors: Maintain a Positive Learning Environment by focusing on encouragement and support to keep learners motivated.
Tip: Avoid (over-emphasizing) highlighting negative aspects early on; instead, address challenges tactfully as they arise.Prepare for Real-World Interactions because classroom environments will rarely emulate the "real-world."
Tip: Instructors: Simulate real-world scenarios and provide strategies for dealing with unsupportive individuals.Instructors: Learn How to Help Learners Deal with Negative Input by encouraging them to disregard distracting comments and focus on their own progress.
Tip: Learners, build your own supportive community where you can share experiences and motivate each other. [Note from Michelle: This is harder than it sounds, I know. FUTURE podcast episode to come where I will touch on this in more depth!]Embrace Modern Learning Tools with Caution: Utilize apps and AI tools, but be aware of their limitations.
Tip: Complement digital tools with human interaction to grasp the nuances of language and culture.Advocate for Industry Reform: Push for changes in traditional language learning methods to better meet learners' needs for the REAL WORLD as it exists today.
Tip: Instructors, stay informed about innovative teaching techniques and incorporate them into your practice.
Reflection Questions:
What sorts of assumptions are you making about your language learning? Where did they come from? Do they still serve you today?
Items mentioned during the episode
Sean's book (below)
The Mother Tongue by Lancelot Hogben
The sample table mentioned in Part 1:
Video portion of the conversation here:
THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!
Music credit: “Coffee and Herbs” by sunsetflowerray (Pixabay)